Student found dead at Paul Smith’s

PAUL SMITH’S - On Aug. 26 at approximately 2:25 p.m. State Police responded to the Paul Smith’s College campus to investigate a report of a death.

The body of 19-year-old Nicolas G. Pendl of Allegany, New York was found on the shoreline of Lower St. Regis Lake. Pendl was found face-down in the water a short distance behind the Clinton dorms. No life-saving measures were taken due to obvious signs of death.

Franklin County Coroner Ronald B. Keough authorized removal of the body to AMC Saranac Lake. An autopsy is scheduled today for 9:30 a.m. and will be performed by Dr. C Francis Varga.

The preliminary investigation indicates that there are no signs of foul play and that a pre-existing medical condition may have contributed to Pendl’s death.

This morning Dr. C. Francis Varga performed an autopsy on the body of Nicolas G. Pendl at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Dr. Varga determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to fresh water drowning which was precipitated by a seizure. Pendl had a known, preexisting seizure disorder. Franklin County Coroner Ronald B. Keough ruled the manner of death to be accidental.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.